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Roskam Statement on President Trump’s Meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

Jun 20, 2017

Press Release

Washington, D.C. —U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement on President Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the announcement of increased U.S. sanctions against Russia for its illegal occupation of Crimea:

“As Vladimir Putin continues his hostile aggression against Ukraine, I am pleased to see President Trump reaffirming the U.S-Ukraine alliance in his meeting today with President Petro Poroshenko.

“The United States must continue to use all necessary tools to support Ukraine’s democratic institutions, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty. Today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Treasury designating key individuals who seek to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty is a welcome and necessary step in this effort. However, punitive financial measures against Russia alone will not achieve our policy objectives in the region.

“I strongly urge the administration to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons so Ukrainians can defend themselves against continuous Russian attacks on its territory and citizens, which have already claimed 10,000 lives and displaced nearly two million people. Ukraine is on the frontline against Russian efforts to destabilize Europe, undermine democratic governments across the region, and rebuild an expansionist empire, and it is our duty to support our Ukrainian ally.”